Becoming a learning mentor

Potential applicants for the learning mentor (LM) role need to demonstrate an understanding of the needs of children and young people experiencing challenges in school. This will be assessed through the application form, interview and a short task.

In terms of qualifications, LMs must hold literacy and numeracy qualifications equivalent to NVQ level two as a minimum.

Ealing's high schools also have lead learning mentors, who manage the mentoring department. Schools may require lead LMs to have either a qualification related to the work such as a diploma in social work or youth work, qualified teacher status, diploma in counselling or at least two years' experience of working with the client group.

Where applicants do not possess the relevant qualifications or experience, it is useful to undertake voluntary work with young people. This may include volunteer mentoring or youth work, working with a holiday scheme, school or other provider.

Learning mentor vacancies are advertised by individual schools and other organisations.

Most Ealing schools will use the Ealing school vacanices website to advertise vacancies: